Former Star CEO Asserts Need for Pushback in Casino License Inquiry

The former CEO of Star Entertainment Group, Robbie Cooke, was the focus of an inquiry into the company’s capacity to maintain its casino license in Sydney.

Throughout his Wednesday hearing, Cooke exhibited defensiveness and disagreement when questioned about the company’s response to a report assessing its corrective actions.

In a passionate defense, Cooke called the negotiations for the state’s casino license a “one-way street,” emphasizing the need for resistance to resolve differences.

Citing apparent shortcomings in the Manager’s report—whose task it was to supervise the company’s advancement—he defended Star’s combative tone as well as his own.

Cooke said they were aware of the controversy surrounding their response and that they went ahead and presented it to the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) even though they knew it would be controversial.

The speaker highlighted the challenging situation for the organization, highlighting the delicate balance between corporate goals and compliance.

Cooke refused to back down when asked if the response was appropriate, arguing that some topics need close examination and participation.

However, he recognized that there might be a difference between the company’s public commitments to openness and cooperation and its internal deliberations regarding future legal action against the Manager and the NICC.

The inquiry examined a string of text exchanges in which Cooke and Star Chairman David Foster talked about getting ready to “go to war” with the NICC.

Cooke attributed these signals to heightened awareness as a result of hearing about an upcoming meeting between the manager and the regulator, which emphasized how closely the company was being watched by the authorities.

In the midst of growing strains with regulatory bodies, Cooke came under heavy criticism, casting doubt on Star’s dedication to transparency and compliance.

The investigation’s analysis of these matters brings to light the difficulties in juggling corporate objectives with legal mandates in the carefully monitored gambling sector.

Original Story by: Inside Asian Gaming